Peach tree named &#34;Sweetstar&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree, denominated ‘Sweetstar’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No. 2008/0587 filed on Mar. 17, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Prunus persica

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Sweetstar’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of peach tree, Prunus persica, which has been given the variety denomination ‘Sweetstar’. This new tree produces fruit with a long shelf life without alteration both on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting, very good eating quality, clingstone white flesh fruit for fresh market in August in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. Contrast is made to ‘Juliepretty’ (Pending U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 11/434,905) yellow peach tree and ‘Nectarexquise’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,377) white nectarine tree, standard varieties, for reliable description. ‘Sweetstar’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it has very attractive fruits with very long shelf life without alteration before after harvesting.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The ‘Sweetstar’ white peach tree originated in a cultivated area of the south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, where it was tested. The ‘Sweetstar’ variety resulted from a free pollination of one of our white nectarine tree referenced under number NB ASF 9805 (non-patented), which was used as the seed parent. The pollen parent of the new variety is unknown. The NB ASF 9805 white nectarine tree was originated by using ‘Julie’ (Tendresse®) (non-patented) white peach tree as seed parent, and ‘Zaitabo’ (Big Top®) (non-patented) yellow nectarine tree as pollen parent. ‘Sweetstar’ was provisionally designated, tested and genetically identified by a genetic profile, under number 02.09.94 PB and was registered at the Official Catalogue of the Agriculture Ministry of the French Republic on Nov. 14, 2007 under number 1024471. It was obtained by hybridizing and propagated by grafting on a ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented) rootstock tree. It has been determined to have unique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy for commercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effects of the standard ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented) rootstock on the scion cultivar. Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plant was reproduced asexually by us in Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of peach tree blooms in March at Perpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. More particularly, it approximately blooms between the 13^(th) and the 21^(th) of March under normal climatic conditions, generally about 4 days later than the ‘Juliepretty’ (Pending U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 11/434,905) yellow peach tree variety.

The first fruit of ‘Sweetstar’ peach tree ripens in August, generally between 2 and 3 days later than the ‘Nectarexquise’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.19,377) white nectarine tree variety. More particularly, it approximately ripens between August 7^(th) and August 16^(th) under normal climatic conditions. The date of maturity varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph which shows a twig bearing typical fruit specimens of the new variety, and leaves of the new variety.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows two whole fruits of the new variety, leaves of the new variety and the half of a third fruit with the pit left into the half for depicting the fruit flesh, the pit cavity and the stone of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph with reverse and size views of flowers of the new variety, and, with petals removed, reproductive organs of the new variety.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variations in soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potential for commercial production of fresh fruit by ‘Sweetstar’ is high, due to fruit very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting.

Trees are vigorous and large stature half-standing in a semi-spread to semi-upright out aspect. The anthocyanic coloration of flowering shoot is present excluding brushwood side away from sun. Flowering begins semi-late in springtime. The type of flower is showy with relative medium petal size. Petals are medium pink. Leaf glands are present and reniform. Time of maturity for consumption is semi-late to late. The fruit flesh is white and its skin is thick, with a purple red blush on a red background. The stone is medium size. Fruit taste is semi-sweet.

In comparison to its female parent, which is our cultivar referenced under number NB ASF 9805 (non-patented), the new variety is a peach tree instead of a nectarine tree.

Differences between blooming and ripening periods of the new variety and other cultivars are provided above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of peach tree, the following was observed on trees in their fourth growing season under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. All observations have been done on rootstock cultivar. The rootstock was a ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented) tree. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree: -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered large as compared to other common             commercial peach cultivars. The tree size the first year was             approximately 280 cm. The tree was pruned during each             following dormant season to a height of approximately             250 cm. Current seasons shoots growth could reach 80 cm. So             the tree size from the second year (second and next years)             reached a final height of 330 cm with current seasons shots             length comprised.         -   Spread.—Approximately 100 cm with a cylindrical shape. The             whole orchard was oriented to a central leader organisation,             with tree lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1             meter in a same tree line.         -   Vigor.—Considered very vigorous. It might be useful to             reduce trees nitrogen intake, in order to limit excessive             vegetation. The present variety grew from about 200 cm to             280 cm in height during the first growing season. For second             and following seasons, the variety was pruned to an             approximate height of 250 cm.         -   Productivity.—Very productive and regular. Fruit set is             spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the             desired market sized fruit. The number of fruits in the             fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions and             cultural practices employed during the bloom period, and is             therefore not distinctive of the present variety.         -   Bearer.—Very regular. Thinning should remain light, due to             the variety aptitude for producing even fruits with a high             magnifying potential.         -   Form.—The ‘Sweetstar’ variety has naturally a semi-spread to             semi-upright shape.         -   Density.—Considered medium dense.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in             France. The variety appears to be hardy under the central             Pyrénées-Orientales departement typical climatic conditions             and was selected for its hardiness. Experimentations on             different sites with winter chilling requirement comprised             between 350 hours and 1200 hours showed a good behaviour of             the tree in all cases. No damages were caused by ascertained             temperatures as low as −12 degrees Celsius. The tree was             also very resistant to frosty springtime weather. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 9.0 cm in diameter when measured at             a distance of approximately 30 cm above the soil level. The             branching begins at 50 cm above the soil level.         -   Bark texture.—Considered slightly rough, with folds of             papery scarfskin being present.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous lenticels are present. The lenticels             range in size from approximately 5.0 millimeters to 7.0             millimeters in width, and from 1.5 millimeters to 3.0             millimeters in height.         -   Lenticel color.—The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey             color (RHS Grey 201 D to RHS Black 202 D), whereas the             inside is considered brown (RHS Greyed Orange 166B).         -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a silver-grey color a little             more pronounced than lenticels outside color (RHS Grey 201 C             to RHS Black 202 C). -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Mature branches and current season shoots are             considered medium to thick for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other peach varieties. The             current season shoots have a diameter from 5.0 to 9.0             millimeters, and observed branches have a diameter comprised             between 20.0 and 30.0 millimeters.         -   Surface texture.—Average, wood which is several years old             has no furrowed appearance.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but             the crotch angles are generally between 50 degrees and 70             degrees from the horizontal axis. This particular             characteristic is not considered distinctive of the variety,             however. -   Current season shoots:     -   -   Surface texture.—Substantially glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Generally 25.0 millimeters to 35.0             millimeters.         -   Color of mature branches.—Medium brown (RHS Grey Brown 199             A). -   Current seasons shoots:     -   -   Color.—The color of new shoot tips is considered a light             green (RHS Green 143 C to D) on lower part of new shoot             tips, whereas the upper part is colored in more or less             brown-red (varying from RHS Greyed Red 182 B to C). -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered large to very large for the species. Leaf             measurements have been taken from vigorous, upright,             current-season growth at approximately mid-shoot. The ratio             leaf length/leaf width is above 4.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 176.0 to 202.0 millimeters with             leaf petiole.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 34.0 to 42.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf base shape.—Concave.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate and small. -   Leaf color:     -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Dark Green (RHS Green 137 A).         -   Lower surface.—Medium Green (RHS Green 137 B to 137 C).         -   Leaf texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined. -   Mid-vein:     -   -   Color.—Light green with a cream touch (RHS Yellow Green 145             D).         -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.         -   Form.—Considered slightly dentate.         -   Uniformity.—Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In             this last case, it is found one leaf of normal size with one             or two smaller leaves (size-reduction of 50% and more). -   Leaf petioles:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium.         -   Length.—About 10.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 1.7 mm.         -   Color.—Light green shading to white (RHS Yellow Green 145 B             to C). -   Leaf glands:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium. Their length is about 1.3             millimeters.         -   Number.—Generally 2 to 4, mostly 3 glands per leaf.         -   Type.—Reniform.         -   Color.—On young leaves, leaf glands color is considered a             pale green (RHS Green 145 B). On older leaves, leaf glands             color turn to a dark brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A to 199 B). -   Leaf stipules:     -   -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed. But as seen in             the characteristic relative to the leaves uniformity, it is             possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or 3, with a             normal-size leaf and smaller ones. -   Flowers: -   Flower buds:     -   -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral             buds are conic in form with a round tip. Their form is             evolving until blooming, with variables dimensions. Just             before blooming, floral buds are approximately 10.0             millimeters wide and approximately 18.0 millimeters long. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity             to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of             the flowers buds, formed by the sepals, is of purple-brown             color (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A); the corolla, formed by the             petals, is generally of pink color (varying from RHS Red             Purple 65 B to RHS Red Purple 69 C). Petals color shows an             evolution until the end of flowering. The buds are             considered hardy under typical central Pyrénées-Orientales             departement climatic conditions.         -   Hardiness.—No winter injury was noted during the last             several years of evaluation in the central             Pyrénées-Orientales departement, with winter temperatures as             low as −10 degrees Celsius in January. The current variety             has not been intentionally subjected to drought or heat             stress, but the variety showed a very good resistance in             orchard to temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius with an             average temperature between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius during             3 weeks in summer.         -   Date of bloom.—Generally March. The first bloom was observed             on Mar. 15, 2003.         -   Blooming time.—Considered semi-late season in relative             comparison to other commercial peach cultivars grown in the             Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of full             bloom is observed on March. The date of bloom varies             slightly with climatic conditions and cultural practices.             Thus the first full bloom was observed approximately on Mar.             20, 2003.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 11 days. This             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type             flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered medium to large. Flower diameter at             full bloom is approximately between 34.0 and 38.0             millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered normally abundant, approximately             40 flowers per meter.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 2 flower buds appear per             node, occasionally 1. -   Petal size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered medium for the species.         -   Length.—Generally about 20.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Generally about 18.0 millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Rounded.         -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.         -   Petal texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Medium Pink (RHS Red Purple 65 B to C) when             young, slightly darkening with advancing senescence.         -   Fragrance.—Pronounced. -   Petal claw:     -   -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a conic form with a             slightly rounded extremity.         -   Length.—Approximately 6.0 to 8.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 5.0 to 6.0 millimeters.         -   Petal margins.—Generally very slightly undulated. -   Petal apex:     -   -   Generally.—The petal apices have generally a wide dome             shape. -   Flower pedicel:     -   -   Length.—Considered medium and having an average length of             approximately 3.0 to 5.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Considered average, approximately 2.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—A medium brown (RHS Grey Brown N199 C to D). -   Floral nectaries:     -   -   Color.—A green yellow (varying from RHS Yellow 13 A to B to             RHS Yellow Green 150 A to B). -   Calyx:     -   -   Internal surface texture.—Glabrous.         -   Color.—The outer surface of the calyx is considered of             Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A) color. -   Sepals:     -   -   Surface texture.—The outer surface has a short, fine             pubescent texture.         -   Size.—Medium.         -   Color.—Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A).         -   Average number of stamens per flower.—Approximately 40             stamens per flower. -   Anthers:     -   -   Generally.—Small in length.         -   Color.—Red to orange-red color (approximately RHS Greyed             Purple 178 A). Anthers are becoming yellow at maturity.         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow             color (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B to C). The             present variety is considered self fruitful             (self-pollinating). -   Filaments:     -   -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately 11.0 to 16.0             millimeters in length. Filaments length is generally equal             to the pistil's length and smaller than petals.         -   Color.—Considered light pink (approximately RHS Red Purple             62 C to D) to pink (RHS Red Purple 73 A to B). -   Pistil:     -   -   Number.—Usually 1.         -   Generally.—Average in size.         -   Length.—Approximately 16.0 to 20.0 millimeters including the             ovary; Generally equal to filaments length.         -   Color.—Considered a very pale green (varying from RHS Yellow             Green 150 D to RHS Yellow Green 151 D).         -   Surface texture.—Pubescent, particularly around the ovary. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Aug. 25, 2003.         -   Date of last picking.—Sep. 5, 2003. The date of harvest             varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. The             ‘Sweetstar’ variety has a semi-late to late date of picking,             and a grouped maturity: only 2 harvests in approximately 10             days are generally necessary. -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered large to very large, and homogeneous             in size, with a very round shape.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 77.0 to 80.0             millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 68.0 to 75.0             millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Generally around 250.0 grams. This             characteristic is highly dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of the variety. -   Fruit form:     -   -   Generally.—Round. The fruit is generally uniform in             symmetry, viewed from pistil end.         -   Fruit suture.—Wide-mouthed and slightly marked, extending             from the base to the apex. No apparent callousing or             stitching exists along the suture line. -   Suture:     -   -   Color.—The suture has generally a color similar to the whole             fruit color, a purple red (RHS Red Purple 59 A) on a red             background (RHS Red 46 A). -   Ventral surface:     -   -   Form.—Smooth.         -   Apex.—Non-prominent, depressed, very small.         -   Base.—Slightly wide-mouthed, shallow.         -   Stem cavity.—Average depth of the stem cavity is about             1.2 cm. Average width is about 2.0 cm. -   Fruit skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Considered thick and strong, and tenacious to             moderately tenacious to the flesh depending on stage of             maturity.         -   Texture.—Slightly pubescent.         -   Taste.—Semi-sweet.         -   Tendency to crack.—None observed. -   Color:     -   -   Blush color.—This blush color is an homogenous and luminous             purple red (RHS Red Purple 59 A). The red blush covers 80%             to 90% of the fruit skin surface. The percentage of the             blush on the fruit skin surface can vary, and is generally             dependant upon the prevailing conditions under which the             fruit was grown.         -   Ground color.—The ground color is considered red (RHS Red 46             A).         -   Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 7.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145 A to 145 B). -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Very evenly, homogenously, slowly, long shelf-life             long lifespan.         -   Texture.—Very firm, very dense, crunchy, melting, juicy at             harvest maturity stage.         -   Fibers.—Generally not fibrous.         -   Aroma.—Pronounced.         -   Eating quality.—Considered very good and aromatic.         -   Flavor.—Considered semi-sweet. The Brix is superior to 13             and acidity comprised between 6 and 9 meq/100 ml. The flavor             is considered aromatic.         -   Juice.—Very juicy at complete maturity.         -   Brix.—Generally superior to 13.0 degrees. This             characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per             tree; prevailing cultural practices; and the surrounding             climatic conditions.         -   Flesh color.—White flesh (RHS White Group 155 B to C) with a             star-shaped red pigmentation (RHS Red Purple 61 C) into the             stone cavity and around extending on few millimetres. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone.         -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety. The stone size             varies significantly depending upon the tree vigor, crop             load and prevailing growing conditions.         -   Length.—Approximately 34.0 to 38.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 26.0 to 28.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 18.0 to 20.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Elliptic.         -   Base.—Generally straight. -   Apex:     -   -   Shape.—The stone apex is short and acuminate.         -   Stone cavity.—Considered medium size, with an elliptic-form             and dimensions corresponding to the stone's dimensions. -   Stone surface:     -   -   Surface texture.—The pit is transversely furrowed on its             entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced toward the apex.             The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief is prominent             generally and present basally.         -   Ridges.—The surface texture is generally characterized by             more prominent ridges along the ventral edges and is more             prominent at the apical tip. -   Ventral edge:     -   -   Width.—Considered small to medium, and having a dimension of             approximately 2.0 millimeters at mid-suture. -   Dorsal edge:     -   -   Shape.—Grooved.         -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is generally             considered a light orange-brown (RHS Greyed Orange 176 D) to             red-brown (RHS Greyed Red 178 B).         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is generally absent, depending             on climatic conditions between blooming period and stone             hardening. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—The kernel is considered medium.         -   Length.—Approximately 20.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 12.0 millimeters.         -   Thickness.—Approximately between 3.0 and 4.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Considered oblate and elliptic.         -   Pellicle.—Pubescent.         -   Color.—The kernel skin is a light orange-brown (RHS Greyed             Orange 167 C) with darker streaks (RHS Greyed Orange 166 C).             The almond is cream-white (RHS Orange White 159 D). The             kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of fruit             maturity.         -   Use.—The subject variety ‘Sweetstar’ is considered to be a             peach tree of the semi-late to late season of maturity, and             which produces fruits that are considered firm, attractively             colored. Fruits have a semi-sweet taste and are excellent             for uncooked consumption, crunchy or melting when at full             maturity. Due to their flesh quality, firmness and density,             they can also be commercialized as 4^(th) range product             (packed fruit or fruit in bags for example). And they are             also useful for both local and very long distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Good to very good. Fruits have a slow             maturation and a long shelf-life both on the tree after             growth completion and after harvesting. Storage should be             possible at 2.0 degree Celsius for as long as one month.         -   Shipping quality.—Considered good. The fruit of the new             peach variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin             damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and             packing procedures. Its resistance to handling during             harvest and packing and its long shelf life without             alteration after harvest permit 2 weeks to 3 weeks —             shipping at 2 degrees Celsius.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. The present variety is not very             sensitive to powdery mildew, or conservation diseases and             decay due to its thick and strong skin. Although the new             variety of peach tree possesses the described             characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions             prevailing near Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement,             France, it should be understood that variations of the usual             magnitude and characteristics incident to changes in growing             conditions, fertilization, pruning, pest control and             horticultural management are to be expected. 

1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree as illustrated and described, characterized by fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, and with a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive skin, with a very high percentage of red blush. 